Physiological Effects of Sargassum Modified Cassava Composite Diet in Malnourished Mice

Background: Malnutrition remains a significant public health concern, impairing both physical growth and physiological functions. Functional foods derived from local resources such as Sargassum sp. and modified cassava flour (MOCAF) may offer a potential strategy to improve nutritional status. This study aimed to examine the effect of a combination of Sargassum sp. from Jembrana coastal waters and MOCAF from Manihot esculenta Crantz on malnutrition in mice based on physical assessment.Methods: A pre-experimental one group pre- and post-test design was conducted using ۳۹ male Mus musculus (۶-۸ weeks old, ۱۵–۲۵ g). Mice were induced for malnutrition and then received orally a combination of Sargassum sp. and MOCAF for ۱۴ days at ratios of ۹۰:۱۰ (P۱), ۸۵:۱۵ (P۲), and ۸۰:۲۰ (P۳) at ۳-۵ g/day. Physical parameters were measured before and after interventions.Results: Administration of Sargassum sp.–MOCAF combination could significantly improve body weight and APGAR (activity, pulse, grimace, appearance and respiration assessments) score in all groups. Body weight increased significantly in P۱ (p=۰.۰۰۱), P۲ (p=۰.۰۰۱), and P۳ (p=۰.۰۰۱), with P۲ showing the largest effect. APGAR score improved significantly in P۱, P۲, and P۳ (all p<۰.۰۰۱) too, with P۲ showing the highest improvement.Conclusion: The Sargassum sp. and MOCAF combination effectively enhanced the physical condition of malnourished mice, with the ۸۵:۱۵ ratio (P۲) to be the optimal. This combination showed promise as a functional food intervention against malnutrition, warranting further molecular and clinical studies.

کلیدواژه ها:

Sargassum ، Cassava ، Malnutrition ، Apgar Score ، Mouse